Lions coach Swys de Bruin is anticipating a big response from the Stormers in their Vodacom Super Rugby match at Newlands on Saturday.
The Stormers and coach Robbie Fleck, in particular, have come under fire following a 40-3 loss to the Vodacom Bulls in their Super Rugby opener in Pretoria last weekend.
The Lions got their campaign off to a good start by claiming a hard-fought 25-16 victory over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, the first time they have won in Argentina.
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While many are favouring the Lions to continue their good record against their South African rivals, De Bruin told the media that he knows the Stormers will be keen to put things right on Saturday.
‘Not even close,’ De Bruin said when asked if there is a danger of his side underestimating the Stormers. ‘It is Newlands. It is Cape Town. It is a very proud franchise. They will bounce back like never before, I can tell you that and we all know it.
‘We believe what happened at Loftus was a case of maybe them underestimating the Bulls. They are still a strong side. They have got about 11 or 12 Springboks in that set up, so they are very strong.
‘We are under no illusion. We have had games where we lost by 50 points and then won the next one. Fleckie said it, they are moving on and focusing on the next one. For us, it is the first South African derby and nothing but that. If you are going to look at previous results, you will make a big mistake.’
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De Bruin added that despite the impressiveness of their win against what was essentially a Pumas Test team, they have areas to improve upon this weekend.
‘We did not really play good rugby in Argentina, we played effective rugby. It was very hot and humid and we kicked more than we normally do. It is a strong side that. Apart from the No 7 and 10, all of them played against the Springboks.
‘We are focusing more on our job. We want to improve as well.
Photo: EPA/Nic Bothma
